AFC BOURNEMOUTH head coach Andoni Iraola believes Dango Ouattara will learn from his duel with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Burkinabe winger Ouattara once against started at left-back for Cherries as they were down 3-0 in the capital by title hopefuls Arsenal.
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A tricky proposition for even the most experienced of defenders, Saka looked to have the better of makeshift full-back Ouattara in the opening exchanges, with the Arsenal starlet frequently getting past the left-back.
However, the Burkina Faso international settled into the game, adapting to the challenge posed by England international Saka.
Asked if it was a good learning experience for Ouattara, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Yes.
“It was probably a decision I had to make because Lloyd Kelly was not available.
“But I was happy to put him in this position, because it was a really difficult match up against Saka.
“Also, knowing that Ben White overlaps, (Martin) Odegaard comes there and they are very, very dangerous on the right side and I think he did quite well.
“He was dangerous offensively.
“He suffered a couple of times covering his back, but we have to accept this and he's growing in a new position for him.
“I think he has very good abilities to play there and I finished quite happy with his game, even though the game was really difficult.”
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This season Ouattara has made 28 Premier League appearances for Cherries, 17 of which have come off the bench.
The former FC Lorient man has six games in his new position at left-back since first moonlighting in the role against Nottingham Forest in December.
A £20million signing in January 2023, the 22-year-old has made 49 appearances across all competitions for Cherries.
During that time he has scored twice and set up five goals.
AFC Bournemouth return to action next weekend when they welcome Brentford to Vitality Stadium for their final home game of the Premier League season on Saturday, May 11.
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